As one of the top cosmetic procedures and wrinkle-fighters, you’ve probably heard of and even considered Botox. But, along with an interest in Botox comes a whole list of questions. One of the major ones being- Does it work? (Yes, see before and after pics!)

Botox is so popular because when injected by a skilled and trained injector, the results are phenomenal. You can treat smile lines, frown lines and even put a halt to excessive sweating problems. As one of the top 1% in the nation for delivering Allergan products such as Botox (How about that Boise?!), we have had plenty of experience with Botox injections. Through out the years, we have found there are AMAZING uses for Botox. There are even medical uses for Botox, including treating migraines.

Here are some of our favorite uses for Botox:

Keep Crow's Feet From Etching Themselves Onto Your Face

Usually in your mid-30s, you start to notice a spider web of lines appearing around your eyes when you smile. Most likely the first time you see your thought will be “Oh my goodness, where did you come from and how long have you been there?” While many people consider these smile lines to be a sign of a happy life, no one likes once those lines become permanent lines (crows feet) that stay there even after you stop smiling!

Botox does wonders at eliminating the appearance of crows-feet. The non-invasive injections are quick and results last from 4-5 months.

Before and after photo from a testimonial on RealSelf.com:

Fix Permanent Frown Lines

Have you ever heard the expression “Don’t make that face or it will get stuck like that?” Well when it comes to frown lines, if you knit your eyebrows too often – you will get a permanent frown line(s) between your eyes. Botox can keep frown lines from developing and can help reduce the appearance of frown lines that have already formed.

Botox also works to prevent horizontal lines from appearing on the forehead. It's important to pick a trained and experienced injector (this is an important factor when you are getting any cosmetic procedure) because too much Botox in the forehead region can cause a mask-like effect that can look unnatural.

Read our testimonials and find out why Silk Touch Med Spa is one of the best in Nation.

Stop Excessive Sweating with Botox Injections

People who excessively sweat can benefit by Botox treatments under the arms. Botox works by blocking the release of acetycholine, the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands. During the treatment, Dr. Kerr or one of our certified injectors inject Botox under the skin where your sweat glands rest. The procedure takes less than 10-20 minutes and you really do stop sweating.

For those who feel like they are dealing with excessive sweating, you may be dealing with a condition called hyperhidrosis.. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating problems are caused by the nervous system. BOTOX® effectively blocks the impulses sent from the brain to the nerves that cause excessive sweating. Deodorants and antiperspirants control sweat by clogging the pores, but are not effective on people with hyperhidrosis.

Surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis include cutting out the sweat glands or cutting the nerves that lead to the glands. These surgical treatments can cause permanent scars and nerve damage. BOTOX® treatments for hyperhidrosis take 10 to 20 minutes. The treatment begins working within the first week and last for six to twelve months.

Where does the sweat go? Your sweat doesn't go anywhere or get backed up because the sweat simply is not produced in the areas treated with BOTOX®. Remember, the rest of your body is free to produce moisture normally.

Eyebrow Lift

There are muscles in the face that pull down the eyebrows and muscles that lift up the eyebrows. A skilled Botox injector can carefully inject just the muscles that pull down, giving a lift to the brows. This will also give the eyes a more open look. Most people can expect up to 2 millimeters of lift, which sounds like a little but in the face is usually enough for a noticeable improvement.

 

 

Treat Migraines

In October 2010, the FDA approved the use of Botox in the treatment of chronic migraines (a condition that causes headaches that last more than 14 days a month). Doctors treat migraines by injecting Botox into areas where patients feel tension -- usually the temples, forehead, neck and shoulders. It works by reducing muscle tension and strain on the nervous system and Botox blocks the pain receptors found in nerve cells.

You think Botox is for you, but you are still unsure. Now what?

As you can see, Botox is as extremely versatile treatment that can fix a wide variety of problems!  If you would like to know more about how Botox can work specifically for you, we’d be happy to sit down with you for a free consultation. Just give us a call at 208-939-3110 or schedule an appointment online.

Check out our monthly specials for deals on Botox and more!

 

At this point, it’s safe to say that many of us, if not all of us, have heard of Botox.  You hear about it on movies and tv, through friends. You may haven even started to see commercials on TV, since Botox’s recent FDA approval for the treatment of Migraines. 

And it works. Ask anyone who’s done it. I bet they would all agree it’s pretty much the greatest when it comes to getting rid of pesky wrinkles and making you look 10 years younger. But like Band-Aid and Kleenex, Botox is a brand name that has come to define what the product does.

That’s where DYSPORT comes in.

Botox and Dysport are very similar. Both use botulinum toxin type A to smooth wrinkles caused by active muscles in the face. The neurotoxin is injected into the muscles to relax the wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes to get rid of crowsfeet. They both last around 3-5 months and have been FDA approved for both cosmetic and medical uses.

While Botox has the advantage of a name people recognize, Dysport is starting to catch people’s attention.

Dysport was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2009, but has been used in Europe for over 20 years. Botox, however, has been used in the United States for many years, which explains its popularity.

Difference Between Botox and Dysport

There are only a few small differences between the Dysport and Botox. Dysport has a smaller molecule, making the unit measurement a little different than Botox. For example, if you normally get 20 units of Botox, you would need 60 units of Dysport to have the same effect. As far as payment, to get the equivalent of Botox, you are paying about the same.

For some, Dysport may have a slightly faster onset than Botox, taking 2-5 days to set in, while Botox takes around 4-7.  Some studies suggest that Dysport may have a longer duration than Botox, but that is still being debated and studied.

If you look up reviews online, some people swear by Botox, and others by Dysport. Some research shows that Botox works better, and others that Dysport works best. Overall they are going to give the same effect. No more wrinkles!

  

Although you can’t turn back the clock and abstain from the sun in the past, you can erase some of the damage that was done. Professional skin care treatments can help remove the skin’s damaged outer layers to diminish sun spots and encourage the growth of new, healthy collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

1. Chemical peels. 

Chemical peel treatments are a good option for bringing new life to sun-damaged skin. These peels utilize various solutions and strengths for different treatment levels and results. At Silk Touch Med Spa, our medical aestheticians customize the chemical peel treatment for each client, along with planning a structured treatment regimen. Most light-to-medium peels will require at least 3-6 treatments over a three-month period to see the best results.
Chemical peelscan vary in strength, ranging from very minor solutions that require little to no downtime, to stronger peels that may require a few days to heal. Make sure to discuss any upcoming events or work restrictions with your aesthetician. 

 

2. Intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial. 

IPL treatments have become very popular as a tool to erase sun spots and fine lines. An IPL photofacial uses a series of gentle light pulses that target the pigment present in sun spots, as well as other color irregularities. As the light travels through the layers of skin, heat from the light causes damage to the abnormally pigmented areas. This will kick-start the body’s natural healing process. The spot will either become darker and flake off, or it will be naturally absorbed by the body. IPL photofacials also stimulate collagen growth to reduce fine lines.
For the average client, three-to-five IPL photofacial treatments are required for best results, and most clients can be treated as frequently as every three weeks. Throughout the course of the treatment process, you can expect to see improved skin texture and a smoother, more even complexion.

IPL Before and After. Sunspot Removal.

3. C02 Fractional laser. 

For a more aggressive treatment for sun damage, there are  C02 fractional laser procedures. A C02 treats sun spots, wrinkles and fine lines with the use of a laser beam that is split (fractionated) into thousands of microscopic beams of light energy. The pixilated light penetrates the dermis and generates enough heat to stimulate natural collagen production and new cell growth. In addition to reducing the appearance of sun damage, fractional lasers can also help treat acne scars, stretch marks and melasma.
Most clients will see results after one to two treatments.
To see if you are a candiate for C02 treatments - schedule a complimentary consultation. 

4. Pelleve Radiofrequency. 

Treatments that harness the power of radiofrequency waves are also very effective for helping remove sun spots, reduce wrinkles and tighten skin. A Pelleve radiofrequency treatment works by sending heat energy into the dermal layer of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen. Unlike lasers, Pelleve treatments rely on the absorption of radio waves and not light, which makes these services safe for all skin tones.
Pelleve is also great in combonation with IPL's for both skin tightening and sun spot reduction. This month get a free Pelleve Eye Treatment with a purchase of your IPL Series. Click here to learn more about this special offer. 
 

5. Products Containing Hydroquinone. 

Hydroquinone is a topical treatment used to lighten skin. It works by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that helps to produce melanin.
When used alone, hydroquinone treatments may not show visible results for several weeks. To see faster results and improve the effectiveness of this treatment, you can combine hydroquinone with a regimen of chemical peels and/or light-based procedures.
At Silk Touch we carry a wide range of products that can help improve the appearance of sun damaged Skin. We suggest scheduling a  Complimentary Skin Analysis to determine which customized product regimen will be most effective for you.

 

When the calf meets the ankle and there is no distinction between the two leg parts, you have what’s known as “cankles.”   The worst part about this area, is that almost no amount of exercise or diet can contour this area of the body. Thicker ankles tend to be genetic.

 

Patient Background:

25 yr. old female. Concerned about “cankles.”

This patient had tried everything to contour her ankles, and was tired of hiding them.

The solution:

Dr. Kerr used Lipo to help sculpt the ankles, giving the patient much more definition.  The end result? Beautiful ankles that the patient was thrilled to show off! 

Dr. Kerr specializes in ankle, knee and calf liposuction. This area is difficult to treat and many providers do not offer lipo on these areas. It takes a unique liposuction approach and a lot of experience and training to get desirable results.

Want to see more? Visit our Before and After Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why They Are Happening:

As we age, the skin can't repair itself as well as it once did. Damage can live under the skin for years before it starts to surface.When brown spots and age spots start popping up, they are nothing more than the effects of past sun exposure showing on the surface.

A digital Visia Skin Analysis can detect sun damage and age spots deep into the layers of the skin, before they surface. A proactive skin care regimen can help keep them from surfacing. If it's been over 6 months since you last Visia, or you've never had one, it's time! Claim a free one here. 

Prevention Tips

The number one way to prevent sun damage is daily use of sunscreen, even in the winter. Age/sun spots surface on the decollete and hands, too - so don't forget to lather those up as well.  Use a hat when you can and reapply sunscreen on hands and face every 90-minutes. We reccommend using a powder sunscreen for reapplying on top of makeup. Jane Iredale has a great powder SPF (available at Silk Touch).

Research shows that diet is also linked to age spots. Foods that can help prevent sun damaged skin include a high intake of olive oil, legumes, fish, vegetables and dried fruits.  The worst nutritional offenders in terms of premature aging are cakes and pastries, cordials, full fat milk, potatoes, red meat and soft drinks—which are all good foods to avoid in age spot treatment. 

The Best Ways To Get Rid of Age Spots:

Top treatments: Products, IPL Photofacials, C02 Laser, Chemical Peels

Product containing Retin-A and antioxidants can help. Byt light and laser treatments like fractional CO2 can really clean up sundamaged skin. making it more even in tone and smoother in texture. Fractional CO2 is one of the most effective laser skin resurfacing treatments in aesthetics. This heavy hitter has big results in just one treatment, though healing can be a little longer. (1-2 weeks)

When spots are brown and dark, IPL photofacials work extremely well because it destroys discoloration without causing any damage to the skin.

 Which treatment is right for you? Schedule a Free consultation today for a Visia Skin analysis and treatment plan.

 

(source)

Rosacea is a fairly common condition estimated to affect over 45 million people worldwide. This condition causes redness and flushing in the central face as well as across the cheeks, nose and forehead in people with light complexion.   

Rosacea causes a range of symptoms that may include:

• Redness,
• Uncontrollable blushing
• Swelling
• Visible blood vessels
• Bumps or pimple-like blemishes
• Skin thickening and enlargement of the nose (mostly in men) 

People who have Rosacea usually experience periods of flare-ups and periods of remission (the decrease or disappearance of symptoms). There is often a “butterfly” pattern that is detectable on the face. Although Rosacea is not life threatening, even mild symptoms can have a negative effect on quality of life. In recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70% of Rosacea patients said this condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% said it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.

Treating Rosacea

There is no cure, but medical care is available to treat this inflammatory disorder, and help you get your life back to normal. More difficult Acne Rosacea may be treated through PhotoDynamic Therapy.

There are multitudes of Rosacea “triggers”. From food to stress, it is integral to your treatment success to learn your triggers and do what you can to avoid them.

Treatment combinations may include oral and topical medications, IPL Photo Rejuvenation treatments and Isolaz Acne Therapy treatment. Most Rosacea patients need combination therapies for the most effective results. Rosacea which is left untreated can cause irreversible skin thickening and disfigurement.

Any of the previous symptoms listed in the beginning of this article are a signal to make an appointment for a consultation with a Silk Touch aesthetician. Our aestheticians can make sure you are taking advantage of all of the procedures and products available to help your skin and insure that you aren’t doing anything to worsen the condition.